Short on goals, Red Wings still focus on defense

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith (2) blocks a shot by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival (32), of the Czech Republic, in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, March 3, 2013, in Detroit. The Blackhawks won 2-1 in a shootout. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

DETROIT -- Since Detroit's eight-goal outburst on Feb. 24 against the Vancouver Canucks, goals scored have come at a premium the Wings.

They've scored a total of three goals over their last three games, one in each.

"The way I look at our group, we've got to continue to get better defensively and if we do that we'll get offense in the end," Wings coach Mike Babcock said after practice Monday at Joe Louis Arena. "A few weeks ago we scored more goals, but I sure like the way we're playing better right now. To me, you can't outscore your mistakes, and we're trying to limit them.

"Even yesterday when we never touched the puck, (Chicago) wouldn't let us play with it in the first, we were on the inside," Babcock continued. "When we go through the scoring chances, they were muddy pucks around the net, but they didn't have many clear chances, so that's what we need to continue to work on."

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The Wings are 1-1-1 during this three-game stretch.

"I think we're going to be all right the rest of the way," forward Drew Miller said. "(Jimmy Howard) is playing really great and our D is coming along really well. The forward lines aren't scoring as much as we'd like to, but we're getting a lot of good chances.

"Everyone needs to chip in more," Miller added. "Our line, I know we've had some success in the past, but the last little while we haven't been able to find the back of the net. That's something we have to pick up too."

Detroit's last three goals have come from a defenseman, Kyle Quincey, and two bottom six forwards, Patrick Eaves and Tomas Tatar.

"I think we've actually played some good hockey and I think we've generated quite a few chances," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. "Last half of game yesterday we had some point blank opportunities, great opportunities in the slot, just couldn't bear down. We just have to find a way to get those in the net and we win games, but at the same time, keep playing solid defensively."

The Wings have been getting shots on goal, 33 in two of the games and 34 in the shootout win over San Jose. They had just 23 shots when they put eight by Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo.

"They're not all scoring chances, usually it's just trying to create scoring chances, that's where most shots come from," forward Johan Franzen said. "We know it's hard to score off the rush, it's been hard for a while now. Just crash the net and throw pucks in there and hope for the best. When you struggle for a while, once everything gets going, everything seems easier."

Ins and outs

Babcock said he hasn't decided who's in or out of his lineup for Tuesday's meeting with Colorado.

However, considering how they skated at practice it looks as if the same players who have dressed the last three games will play against the Avalanche, meaning Ian White and Kent Huskins will be healthy scratches.

Jimmy Howard will start in goal.

Forward Valtteri Filppula (left shoulder) skated on his own before practice.

"It didn't feel too bad, but I still feel it, so it's not the best situation, but getting better."

It was his first time on the ice since last Sunday.

Filppula did a little bit of puck handling but did not shoot the puck.

Wings GM Ken Holland said Sunday that he doesn't expect Filppula to be ready these next two games.

"It's tough to say, that's what's frustrating," Filppula said. "You don't miss that much time but you miss a lot of games. Today was first day I felt better, good enough to go out there and skate a little bit so I'm happy about that. Stick handling was OK. I tried to shoot a little bit but that didn't work that well, so I think that's going to be the toughest thing."

Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo (shoulder) has yet to be cleared to return.

"I'm at a point right now where I'm not having any setbacks but I need more of the conditioning on the ice, with the battle and strength stuff, game situations," Colaiacovo said after practice. "I thought I'd be at a better point today. I'm better but not where I want to be. I'm at such a crucial point right now, with so many games coming up, me being out this long, I want to make sure it's 100 percent feeling good."

Colaiacovo has played two games this season.

"It's very close," he said. "There's a lot of good things happening every day. Mentally and physically we're going to continue to take the time we need. If I wake up tomorrow and it feels different, then great. We'll just take it a day a time right now.

"I'm at a point right now where I just want to play hockey," Colaiacovo continued. "When I come back, I want to stay in there for the rest of the season. Don't want to have to look back. Focus on the positives and do whatever I can to help this team."